New York City aid fuels optimism by Wawarsing town Supervisor Scott Carlsen

ELLENVILLE, N.Y. -- Wawarsing town Supervisor Scott Carlsen said it was a major relief for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to aid a buyout of flood-ravaged properties in 2012, and said a $7 million city allocation for a new water system in Napanoch heightens his optimism for the year ahead.

Carlsen said the water system aid will help build a foundation for commercial growth along the U.S. Route 209 corridor.

"I have a vision of connecting Kerhonkson to Wawarsing to Napanoch," he said. "That would mean we would have public water from border to border in our town along 209. I think it's huge and I think it's doable in my term."

In addition, two $600,000 state Small Cities grants will help upgrade existing water and sewer systems in Napanoch.

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"The water has iron and manganese in it and the quality is poor in terms of appearance," Carlsen said.

"We also got $800,000 in Kerhonkson for sidewalks and lighting," he said. "That will give us sidewalks down 209 in Kerhonkson, with sidewalks down some of the side streets. I think that changes the complexion of Kerhonkson, where it's not just a sign on 209, it's a community."

Carlsen said an effort to bring a casino to the former Nevele hotel into a casino will require strong community support in the coming year.

"I think the (state) Legislature is going to pass it, and then what the public does (in a referendum) in November is going to be interesting," he said. "But to see where they're going to site it, that's the fight as I see it. Are we going to be one of the sites that gets gambling?"

He said the town should also see major improvements in job creation and shopping opportunities.

"The Walmart should be opening," he said. "That's a $20 million construction project, so for us that's a big deal. To have shopping where you don't have to drive to Kingston or Middletown, that's kind of a big deal."

Carlsen his accomplishments during 2012 included bringing the town into compliance with state regulations governing municipal purchases.

"We updated a 20-year-old procurement policy," Carlsen said. "How could you spend taxpayer money ... if your procurement policy was not even remotely in compliance with state guidelines?"